Simba Dojang World Federation - فدراسیون جهانی سمبا دو جانگ

It was a great honor to once again stand alongside two legendary Grand Masters, Grand Master Philip A. Cunningham and Grand Master Foreman Marshall, the partners and co-founders of the prestigious SIMBA Dojang organization in the United States.
Grand Master Cunningham, the Father of Taekwondo in Afghanistan and my very first instructor, played a defining role in shaping my journey in Taekwondo. Alongside him, Grand Master Marshall has made remarkable and lasting contributions to the growth and advancement of Taekwondo in the United States and around the world.
Being a student of these two distinguished Grand Masters is an honor that I will cherish for the rest of my life. With the deepest respect and gratitude, I proudly pay tribute to their extraordinary service, dedication, and enduring legacy.

THE DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF TAEKWONDO IN AFGHANISTAN

Article No. 1

Why Did the First Generation of Afghan Taekwondo Practitioners Use the Term “Hyung”?

A Historical Perspective on Grandmaster Philip
Cunningham Jr.’s Training Background and the Introduction of Taekwondo to Afghanistan ,

A Historical Research Series

Research, Compilation, and Written by
Grandmaster Akbar Haidary
One of the earliest students of Grandmaster Philip Cunningham Jr. and one of the pioneers of Taekwondo in Afghanistan

About This Research Series

This article is part of an ongoing historical research project dedicated to documenting the authentic history of Taekwondo in Afghanistan. The project is based on historical records, internationally recognized references, archival documents, photographs, personal collections, and firsthand testimony from individuals who participated in the early development of Taekwondo in Afghanistan.

The purpose of this research is not to promote one organization, style, or school of Taekwondo over another. Rather, it is to preserve documented historical facts, encourage scholarly discussion, and safeguard an important chapter of Afghanistan’s martial arts heritage for future generations. Every effort has been made to distinguish verified historical evidence from personal interpretation. Should new and reliable evidence become available, future editions of this research will be revised accordingly.

Why Did the First Generation of Afghan Taekwondo Practitioners Use the Term “Hyung”?

In recent years, an important historical question has been raised repeatedly: Why did the first generation of Afghan Taekwondo practitioners refer to Taekwondo patterns as Hyung, while today the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) uses the term Tul, and World Taekwondo (WT) uses the term Poomsae?

To answer this question, it is necessary to examine both the historical evolution of Taekwondo and the training background of the man who first introduced this martial art to Afghanistan—Grandmaster Philip Cunningham Jr.
According to documented historical sources, Grandmaster Cunningham was not a direct student of General Choi Hong Hi, the founder of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). Instead, he received his primary martial arts education from Grandmaster Soo Woong Lee of Jidokwan and Grandmaster Ki Whang Kim, one of the leading pioneers of Chang Moo Kwan and the traditional Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do.

During that period, many of Korea’s original Taekwondo schools commonly used the term Hyung to describe formal training patterns. Later, with the development of General Choi Hong Hi’s Chang-Hon system, the official term Tul was adopted within the ITF. Years afterward, World Taekwondo (WT) introduced the term Poomsae as the official name for its pattern system.

Therefore, Hyung, Tul, and Poomsae represent different historical periods and instructional systems in the evolution of Taekwondo. Each term should be understood within its own historical context.
Historical records indicate that Grandmaster Philip
Cunningham Jr. introduced Taekwondo to Afghanistan in 1973. He taught the same curriculum, terminology, and instructional methods that he had learned from his own teachers. Consequently, the first generation of Afghan Taekwondo practitioners—including myself and many of his earliest students—learned the patterns as Hyung. For many years, this terminology remained the standard language of instruction throughout Afghanistan.
Based on the historical evidence currently available, the use of the term Hyung in Afghanistan was neither an error nor the result of misunderstanding. Rather, it accurately reflected Grandmaster Cunningham’s educational lineage and the instructional terminology widely used during that period. As a result, the term became firmly established among Afghanistan’s first generation of Taekwondo practitioners and remains an important part of our nation’s Taekwondo history.
When documenting history, it is essential to distinguish between verified historical facts and personal interpretations. My purpose in writing this article is not to elevate one organization, style, or school above another. Instead, my objective is to preserve an accurate and documented account of Afghanistan’s Taekwondo history by drawing upon credible historical sources and my own firsthand experience as one of Grandmaster Cunningham’s earliest students.

I firmly believe that understanding the past is essential to understanding the present and shaping the future. Preserving the history of Taekwondo in Afghanistan is not the responsibility of one individual alone; it is a shared responsibility of instructors, pioneers, students, historians, and researchers who value the heritage of this martial art.

Author’s Note

This article has been prepared using internationally recognized historical references relating to Taekwondo, documented sources concerning Grandmaster Philip Cunningham Jr., historical records regarding the introduction of Taekwondo to Afghanistan, and my own firsthand observations and experiences as one of Grandmaster Cunningham’s earliest students.

I respectfully invite all Taekwondo pioneers, masters, instructors, students, historians, and researchers who possess historical documents, photographs, certificates, newspaper articles, or other archival materials related to the history of Taekwondo in Afghanistan to contribute to this ongoing research.

All credible information will be carefully reviewed and, where appropriate, acknowledged in future editions. I believe that preserving the documented history of Taekwondo in Afghanistan is a shared responsibility that belongs to all of us.

Should new and verifiable historical evidence become available in the future, I will gladly revise and expand this research. History should always be written with integrity, supported by credible evidence, and guided by an unwavering commitment to historical accuracy.

References

1. Choi, Hong Hi. Taekwon-Do: The Korean Art of Self-Defense. International Taekwon-Do Federation.
2. International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). Official historical publications and technical manuals.
3. World Taekwondo (WT). Official Poomsae Competition Rules and Technical Guidelines.
4. Historical publications relating to Jidokwan, Chang Moo Kwan, and the early development of Korean martial arts.
5. Historical and biographical sources relating to Grandmaster Philip A. Cunningham Jr.
6. Archival documents, certificates, photographs, and historical records preserved by the author.
7. Firsthand observations and personal experiences of the author as one of Grandmaster Philip A. Cunningham Jr.’s earliest students in Afghanistan.

To Be Continued…

The Documented History of Taekwondo in Afghanistan

Article No. 2

Grandmaster Philip Cunningham Jr.: The Man Who Introduced Taekwondo to Afghanistan

Copyright © Grandmaster Akbar Haidary. All Rights Reserved.

Educational sharing of this article is encouraged provided that the author’s name is acknowledged and the text is reproduced in its complete and unaltered form.

SimbaDojang World Federation

The Difference Between a Black Belt and a Black Character:

The difference between a black belt and a black character lies in the symbolism—where black character is a metaphor for depth and moral values. In my more than fifty years of walking the Taekwondo path, I have seen thousands achieve a black belt; yet not all have achieved a black character. A black belt can be earned through years of practice, perseverance, and success in examinations. It represents technical skill, knowledge, and physical capability. However, a black character is reflected in respect for others, humility in success, patience in adversity, honesty in conduct, and service to the community and students. A black character cannot be obtained through a test, nor can anyone grant it to you. It is built through years of living, behavior, and character. One may hold a black belt and yet struggle to control their anger, show respect to others, or fulfill their moral responsibilities. On the other hand, someone with a black character earns the respect of those around them, even without displaying rank or title. From my perspective, the ultimate goal of Taekwondo is not merely to achieve a black belt, but to cultivate a black character—because while a black belt may be worn around the waist, a black character must be seen in the heart, mind, and actions of a person.

Two legendary figures in the history of Taekwondo.
On the left, General Choi Hong Hi, the founder of ITF Taekwon-Do, who introduced Taekwondo to the world and inspired generations across many nations.
On the right, Grand Master Phil Cunningham, the founder and pioneer of Taekwondo in Afghanistan, respectfully known throughout the Taekwondo community as the “Father of Afghan Taekwondo.”
Today, the achievements of Afghan Taekwondo — including hundreds of international medals and two Olympic medals — stand as a reflection of the dedication, vision, and lifelong efforts of these great pioneers.
Their legacy will always remain alive in the history of Taekwondo.

Distinguished Contributors and Enduring Figures of Taekwondo in Afghanistan:
Biography of Grand Master Zia-ul-Haq Bakhshi
Grand Master Zia-ul-Haq Bakhshi is recognized as one of the distinguished, influential, and enduring figures of Taekwondo in Afghanistan who has devoted more than four decades of his life to the growth, development, instruction, leadership, and promotion of this martial art. He belongs to the second generation of Taekwondo pioneers in Afghanistan — a generation that received its training from the direct students of Grand Master Phil Cunningham, the founder and father of Taekwondo in Afghanistan.
Grand Master Zia-ul-Haq Bakhshi is a student of Grand Master Akbar Haidary, one of the pioneers of the first generation of Taekwondo in Afghanistan and a direct student of Grand Master Phil Cunningham. This technical and educational lineage has played a significant role in the development, continuity, and expansion of Taekwondo throughout Afghanistan.
Grand Master Zia-ul-Haq Bakhshi began his Taekwondo journey in 1982 at the Haidary Taekwondo Club. Through his talent, dedication, discipline, and remarkable commitment, he quickly became one of the active and influential figures in the sport.
In 1983, following the migration of Grand Master Akbar Haidary from Afghanistan, the leadership and management of the Haidary Taekwondo Club were entrusted to Grand Master Zia-ul-Haq Bakhshi. With integrity, discipline, and dedication, he expanded the activities of the club and transformed it into one of the most respected and well-established Taekwondo organizations in Afghanistan.
Grand Master Zia-ul-Haq Bakhshi holds higher education qualifications in Economics and Public Administration and, alongside his athletic career, has built an outstanding reputation in leadership and administration. From 1992 to 2009, he served as the Vice President of the Afghanistan Taekwondo Federation, and from 2010 to 2016, he served as President of the Afghanistan National Taekwondo Federation.
During the leadership and management of Grand Master Zia-ul-Haq Bakhshi, Afghan Taekwondo experienced one of the most successful and historic periods in its history. During this era, Afghan athletes achieved remarkable success in prestigious Asian, international, and world competitions, earning numerous medals and honors for Afghanistan.
Under his leadership, Afghan Taekwondo also achieved a historic and active presence in the Olympic Games, where Afghan athletes proudly represented the country on the world’s greatest sporting stage. These accomplishments were the result of strategic leadership, technical planning, coordination among coaching staff, athlete support, and the continuous efforts of Grand Master Zia-ul-Haq Bakhshi toward the growth, unity, and advancement of Taekwondo in Afghanistan.
During his leadership of both the Haidary Taekwondo Association and the Afghanistan National Taekwondo Federation, dozens of elite athletes were introduced to the national teams, creating opportunities for the emergence of a new generation of national and international champions. This clearly demonstrates his significant role in the modern history of Taekwondo in Afghanistan.
Throughout his years of service, Grand Master Zia-ul-Haq Bakhshi has played a major role in training hundreds of athletes, coaches, and referees. Many of his students have established Taekwondo clubs and branches across Kabul, various provinces of Afghanistan, and abroad. His continuous efforts have contributed greatly to the expansion and development of Taekwondo in Afghanistan.
In the technical field, Grand Master Zia-ul-Haq Bakhshi has earned high-ranking Dan certifications from respected international organizations. In 2025, he was awarded the 8th Dan by the World Korean Martial Arts Union and was also awarded the rank of 8th Dan and the title of “Honorary Senior Advisor” by the Simba Do Jang World Federation. These honors reflect his high technical standing, leadership excellence, and lifelong dedication to the art of Taekwondo.
Today, Grand Master Zia-ul-Haq Bakhshi is recognized as one of the enduring figures, devoted contributors, and influential personalities of Taekwondo in Afghanistan. His name will remain in the history of this sport as a symbol of commitment, integrity, distinguished leadership, and tireless service toward the growth and development of future generations.

Founders of SIMBA Dojang and respected masters who dedicated more than 60 years of their lives to the beloved sport of Taekwondo, continuously serving this martial art and inspiring future generations through their knowledge, leadership, and lifelong commitment.
May Almighty God grant mercy and eternal peace to Grandmaster Phillip Cunningham, who is no longer with us today, yet whose remarkable contributions remain forever written in the history of Taekwondo around the world. His legacy, vision, and service to this art will always be remembered and honored.

Photo taken in Washington, D.C. — 2013

Masters and Founders of SIMBA Dojang in Washington, D.C.
GM Akbar Haidary